Regardless of how one feels about the sequestration debate – either it’s a terrible example of heartless partisan gridlock or a tough but necessary path to fiscal discipline – the reality is that the automatic cuts expected in different areas of government spending are already having an impact.

“We have lost about 20 employees through sequestration,” said Raymond Lopez, Jr., president and CEO of Engineering Services Network (ESN), one of the top Latino-owned companies in Virginia. ESN is an engineering and technology company which does contract work for the Department of Defense. In anticipation of cuts, Lopez’ customers have cut back on orders, resulting in the layoffs.

“This is a sad commentary on our ability to govern in this country by our elected representatives,” said Lopez. “If everything is done by knee-jerk reaction, we are going to hurt our sons and daughters who are our war fighters right now,” remarked…